0399591680 by Allison Pataki

Author:Allison Pataki [Pataki, Allison]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Published: 2017-07-11T00:00:00+00:00

When André had concluded, Jean-Luc sighed. An audible sigh. An exhale intended to be heard, and felt, by the crowds in the gallery.

“And so, Captain Valière, you would say, unequivocally, that General Kellermann saved your life that day?”

“I would.”

“And you would say that General Kellermann rallied the army that day, leading the decisive charge that finally broke the enemy’s lines and won France her victory?”

“I would.”

“And has he ever, in the time you’ve known him, spoken a false word against the Republic?”

“He has not.”

Murat fidgeted in his chair, whispering something in Lazare’s ear. Lazare nodded.

“And you recognize that, in coming here today to speak on behalf of an accused man, you put your own life at risk, Captain Valière? And yet, you come of your own accord, because your honor as a soldier and a citizen compels you to tell the people of France the truth?”

André noticed for the first time now, as he tried to swallow, just how dry his mouth was. He opened his lips and, in a loud voice, answered: “I understand that, and I willingly accept the consequences. General Kellermann would do the same for any other loyal Frenchman.”

Now members of the crowd were nodding. One man in the gallery whistled his support for the defense’s witness.

“Thank you, Captain Valière.” Jean-Luc offered his witness a barely perceptible wink. Turning to the judge, Jean-Luc said: “Your Honor, the defense has no further questions for the witness.”

Lazare raised a finger, and the judge, seeing it, nodded. “Citizen Lazare?”

“May I approach the witness, Your Honor?”

“You may,” the judge replied, and Lazare rose. André felt his entire body go rigid as the image of his father on trial burst across his mind. He blinked, forcing himself to maintain mastery of his surging emotions as Lazare walked slowly toward him.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.